Mount Vernon, WA – The men's basketball team traveled to Skagit Valley on Saturday evening to play what has grown into one of the best rivalries in NWAC basketball. Despite being eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the week after a one point loss at home to Peninsula, the Trojans came into Mount Vernon with something to prove.
As always with these two teams, there was little to no separation in the first half. The largest lead by either team was three points, and after 10 lead changes, Everett finally built out to a 6-point lead with six and a half minutes to go in the half. Moments later that lead would grow to seven, but a Skagit Valley surge in the final four minutes brought the game to a 33 all tie at the break. JT Smith led the Trojans off the bench with 12 points and Brycen Dillworth added 4 assists.
The Cardinals got the first bucket of the 2nd half, but after that never led again for the remainder of the game. Everett led by as much as 11 with three minutes to play and ultimately held on to win on the road 78-69. Raefe McEnroe had a big second half with 12 points and 6 rebounds. He finished the game with 14 and 8, as well as 2 steals and 2 blocks. Four other Trojans scored in double figures, led by JT Smith who had 18, Cam Millican with 12, Brendon Redford with 11 (also had 13 rebounds) and Brycen Dillworth with 11 who dished out 8 assists as well. The team shot a solid 47% from the field and defended the arc, forcing Skagit to a low 22% from three point range.
The Trojans will close out the season on their home court, on sophomore night. Tip off will be Wednesday, March 9th at 7:00pm.